Types of Sheltering

Taking shelter is often a critical element in protecting yourself and your household in times of disaster. Sheltering can take several forms.

In-Place Sheltering

In-place sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment, or other location where you are located when disaster strikes.

In-place sheltering may either be short-term, such as going to a safe room for a fairly short period while a tornado warning is in effect or while a chemical cloud passes. It may also be longer-term, as when you stay in your home for several days without electricity or water services following a winter storm.

Shelter - Mass Care Facilities

We also use the term "shelter" for Mass Care facilities that provide a place to stay along with food and water to people who evacuate following a disaster. The appropriate steps to take in preparing for and implementing short-term in-place sheltering depend entirely on the emergency situation.